According to ARY News correspondent Mustafa Khan Tareen, it was a strong blast that has claimed 128 lives. He said the death toll has been confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Mastung Qaim Lashari.

Lashari said that more than 1000 people were in attendance at the rally.

Raisani, an ultra patriotic person, got critically injured in the attack and he was quickly moved to a nearby hospital in a private car. Later, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

Raisani came under attack while attending a corner meeting for provincial assembly seat PB-35.

Law enforcers cordoned off the area with rescue teams kicking off operation in the area to transport the injured to nearby hospital.

Raisani was a candidate of the Balochistan Awami Party, formed earlier this year, from PB-35 constituency.

The bombing was the most deadly attack in Pakistan in at least over three years and is the third incident of election-related violence this week.

In July 2011, Raisani lost his 14-year-old son in a terrorist attack in Mastung, in which several others, including security personnel, were killed.

Earlier in the day, a bomb blast targeted the convoy of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) candidate Akram Khan Durrani in a Bannu this morning. He, however, escaped unhurt while four people were killed and 14 others injured in attack.

Police said former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Akram Durrani’s cavalcade was attacked in neighborhood of the city. He remained safe while four people were killed and 14 others suffered serious wounds in the attack.

Durrani was returning after attending a rally in connection with the election campaign when he was attacked.

ECP summons NACTA chief

The Election Commission of Pakistan has summoned Chief of National Coordination Counter-Terrorism Authority on Saturday to brief it on security threats to leaders of political parties.

In a letter written to NACTA, the commission said it should be briefed about the security arrangements for political parties and overall security situation in the country.

President Mamnoon Hussain and caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retired) Nasirul Mulk have condemned the blast in Mastung. They expressed deep grief and sorrow over loss of precious lives in the blast.

They directed for providing the best medical facilities to the injured.

He expressed deep grief and sorrow over death of Siraj Raisani and others in the attack.

The chief election commissioner sought report of the incident from Balochistan caretaker chief binister, provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police. He directed for ensuring security to all election candidates.

Condemning the incident, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa said he was aggrieved on loss of the precious lives.

“Pakistan lost a highly devoted and capable politician Siraj Raisani. Attempts of inimical forces to derail important democratic activity shall not succeed. United we all Pakistanis shall IA (Insha Allah) defeat them,” he said, according to Director General Inter Services Public Relations Asif Ghafoor.

Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan said, “Another condemnable terrorist attack on a political gathering – this time in Mastung. Saddened to learn of Nawabzada Siraj Raisini’s shahadat in this targeted attack as well as the shahadat of 15 other innocent citizens.”

Another condemnable terrorist attack on a political gathering – this time in Mastung. Saddened to learn of Nawabzada Siraj Raisini’s shahadat in this targeted attack as well as the shahadat of 15 other innocent citizens.

PTI leader Aamir Liaquat Hussain said, “Shocked to hear about the Mastung blast. Terrorists are trying to deter the spirits of candidates campaigning for election or possibly trying to delay elections. My thoughts and prayers for Siraj Raisani and those who lost their lives. Pakistan will not bow down to these attacks.”

Shocked to hear about the #MastungBlast terrorists are trying to deter the spirits of candidates campaigning for election or possibly trying to delay elections. My thoughts and prayers for #SirajRaisani and those who lost their lives. #Pakistan will not bow down to these attacks